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• Comic Con Glossary of Terms: All the key lingo you need to navigate an upcoming cosplay, comic book, or anime convention

The world of comic book conventions is a magical place where nearly anything is possible, but they do come with a lingo of their own. Some terms are specific to certain conventions – Hall H is very much a San Diego Comic-Con thing, for example – while others are used more generally around the convention circuit. Even if you’re a veteran convention goer, there might still be some comic con terms that catch you off guard – which is why we’re here to help.

Here at Popverse, we go to a lot of conventions scattered across the US and even a couple overseas, so we’re in a good position to tell you what you can expect to find on most show floors. If you’ve ever come across a term on a convention website that had you scratching your head, here is what they mean:

Badge: A physical, plastic version of your entry ticket; essentially, it is your key to the event that you need to show to get into the convention. Note that some conventions use wristbands instead of badges, but they function the same way.

Con Crunch: That last-minute rush to get your cosplay together for the convention. This can include finishing sewing a piece together, putting the final touches on some armor, or dousing your wig in enough hot glue that it defies gravity.

Cosplans: Your cosplay plans for each day of the event, complete with character names and visual references.

Crystal Palace: The lobby at NYCC where Will Call is located. The Show Floor entrances can also be accessed via this room.

Deodorant: Something that is absolutely necessary when you’re going to be in a big room with thousands of other excited fans for the weekend.

Fan Verification: A unique fan profile that connects your badge with everything happening at the convention. Used at shows like New York Comic Con to access ticket presales and select panels and reservations.

Hall H: The main hall at SDCC where some of the biggest announcements are made. Think back to when Robert Downey Jr. was announced as Doctor Doom – that is the kind of stuff you see at Hall H.

Lanyard:  A piece of fabric worn around your neck that holds your badge. Most shows offer basic ones upon arrival or exclusive ones at the show store.

LFG: Looking for Group. This is often used by fans who are looking for other fans to hang out with. Things are more fun in a group, after all. Not to be confused with 'LFG' as in 'Let's F---ing Go' as popularized in Deadpool vs. Wolverine.

Masquerade: The main cosplay competition of most conventions. Here is where you’ll see what kind of costumes hours of work and gallons of caffeine can produce.

Panels: One of the biggest events at any convention. This is where celebrities, writers, and fans take to the stage to talk about what they do and why they love it.

Queue Hall: The gathering place for fans to take their place in line before the event opens. Getting in line early can get you into the show a bit sooner.

Reservations: Your confirmation that you have a place in a specific panel or event that has a limited entry. Not all panels require Reservations, but those that are expected to be busy usually do.

Show Floor: Where the magic happens. This is the main open space where many of the convention’s main attractions are, including Exhibitors and the official Show Store.

Show Store: If you’re looking to pick up official merchandise from the convention, like t-shirts, lanyards, and tote bags, this is the place to do it.

Ticket Mailing Deadline: The last day to purchase tickets if you want to receive them by mail. If you buy tickets after the deadline, you will need to stand in long lines to pick them up at the event. Avoid the lines and buy tickets early!

Will Call: The location to pick up your badges if you do not receive them by mail. Will Call opens days before the event and it is recommended to pick badges up here as early as you can.

Want to know what's coming up next in pop culture? Check out our guides to upcoming movies, upcoming TV shows, upcoming comics, and upcoming comic conventions. If you're looking for specific franchises or genres, we have all the upcoming MCU, upcoming Star Wars, upcoming Star Trek, and upcoming DC movies & TV for you. If you're a fan of superheroes and not specific to just Marvel or DC, we have overall guides to all the upcoming superhero movies and upcoming superhero TV shows (and new seasons) as well.